Can anyone recommend me a wagon?

Niteshade · « **Reply #20 on:** 23 Feb 2010, 02:04 am »

Old, but I love these:

Bob in St. Louis · « **Reply #21 on:** 23 Feb 2010, 02:05 am »

Quote from: drphoto on 23 Feb 2010, 01:49 am

Volvo feedback......? Gotta be a few owners here.

Hey Doc,
Just like we did with the Saab V.I.N. numbers, call me with the complete Volvo VIN number. The dealer I work at also handles Volvo.
I wouldn't say the Volvo is any more or less reliable than a Saab, but they're just as expensive to repair. Had one the other day with a $6,900 repair bill and the dumbass fixed it.

Silly people.

There are more "special policies" regarding Volvos than I ever saw regarding any General Motors vehicle (including Saab). Right now, there is one for transmissions and one for fuel pumps. Those are the biggies right now. They've "quietly" extended the warranty on some models for these components. The leaky fuel pump should be a flat out recall (imo), but they're pussyfootin' around instead.

If you want weird and quirky, you could always look at a Nissan "Cube".
That's not a recommendation, it's just a weird looking car.

I'd buy a Chevy HHR in a heart beat, but it's too small for me. The engine in it can be found in other Chevys, Saabs, Pontiacs, and even the "Atom". Very reliable. Plus, anybody can work on it and it won't break the bank when you do have to fix it.

Bob

satfrat · « **Reply #22 on:** 23 Feb 2010, 02:12 am »

Dodge Magnum R/T 340hp HEMI AWD 17 city/23 highway mph. Only made 2005-2009 so it's destined to be an American classic,,, well North American anyways as mine was made in Canada.

Cheers,
Robin

srb · « **Reply #23 on:** 23 Feb 2010, 02:18 am »

Quote from: Bob in St. Louis on 23 Feb 2010, 02:05 am

I'd buy a Chevy HHR in a heart beat, but it's too small for me.

3 years ago I rented a new HHR and thought it was the worst vehicle I had ever rented. The steering was awful, and I found it hard to keep on the highway. Maybe it was just really poor tires.

Not sure which engine it had, but it groaned and vibrated it's way along (I am used to Honda engines).

The ergonomics weren't any better. The electric window buttons were at the very bottom of the center console, and I felt like I was reaching down to the floor while tilting in the seat.

Steve

Carlman · « **Reply #24 on:** 23 Feb 2010, 02:20 am »

Sounds like you're going in a good direction, just wanted to put in my 2 cents.. Scion's are nice.. I have 2 friends with them and they've been pleasantly surprised by the value over the past few years they've driven them...

VW's.. run away! Of the 5 Passat's my family has owned in the past 10 years, 1 hasn't been a nightmare. Just 1 was what I'd call 'average reliability'. The others were so terrible I can't begin to explain. After multiple 'lessons', we are now a non-VW family.

My BMW 325i (suggested here, thanks) has been a great car, spectacular in fact. It has 80,k and I have had no unusual non-maintenance issues. It could use some new bushings at the moment, but that is likely due to my driving style.

Saabs and Volvos, I know little about.. especially not current or relevant. I like Saabs from the late 80's and early 90's.. but they require more TLC than I'm willing to give.

Japanese are all good. I like the new Sube's.. like this year's models.. The CVT transmission is neat.. But I like the Legacy GT from the mid 2000's more. That would be the one I'd buy used.. I'm not a fan of the Outback's blobby round plasticky look from those years.. the new ones are quite nice though.

-C

drphoto · « **Reply #25 on:** 23 Feb 2010, 02:26 am »

Bob, the V70 I'm interested in carries the VIN of YV1SW61R812109068. As always, I appreciate your help.

Still luv the OB subs man, thanks for that one too. I'm gonna go w/ an H frame soon and leave behind the BABB's.

Again, if you ever find yourself 4 hours east of St. Louie, you're always welcome....and I'll spring for dinner too.

Damn, I'm derailing my own thread!

Bob in St. Louis · « **Reply #26 on:** 23 Feb 2010, 02:29 am »

Thanks Doc! That's all great to hear, and you're very welcome.

I'll check the VIN tomorrow when I get back to the grind.
How many miles on the beast?

Bob

drphoto · « **Reply #27 on:** 23 Feb 2010, 02:32 am »

Carl, yeah, I agree about the look of the Outback. Always hated that body cladding. Same w/ the XC Volvo. The newer regular Legacy is really pretty though. The first time I saw one, I thought it was an Infiniti or Lexus. (in the sedan form)

Not cheap though.

drphoto · « **Reply #28 on:** 23 Feb 2010, 02:33 am »

Bob...98K

TomS · « **Reply #29 on:** 23 Feb 2010, 02:52 am »

I've seen this one in person http://www.vordermanvw.com/VehicleDetails/613667933

Quite nice despite the miles. My daughter wanted it but we found a newer low mile Audi A3 and she loves it. Sort of a wagon with 2.0t and DSG tranny.

macrojack · « **Reply #30 on:** 23 Feb 2010, 02:54 am »

2004 or 2005 Toyota Matrix XRS or Pontiac Vibe GT. They're the same car made in the same factory in Fresno, Ca. It has 180 hp, 6 speed manual, 4 wheel discs, sport suspension, etc. And far more room than you might imagine. It's really a stylish looking Corolla wagon.

baldrick · « **Reply #31 on:** 23 Feb 2010, 03:21 am »

The Dodge Magnum gets my vote. Toyota could only dream about building a car this good.
Plus with the market conditions and the unfavourable light often shone onto domestic models you can get a nearly new Magnum for a song.
The Hemi V8 is version awesome and the 3.5 L V6 model is very nice.

DaveC113 · « **Reply #32 on:** 23 Feb 2010, 03:43 am »

Quote from: satfrat on 23 Feb 2010, 02:12 am

Dodge Magnum R/T 340hp HEMI AWD 17 city/23 highway mph. Only made 2005-2009 so it's destined to be an American classic,,, well North American anyways as mine was made in Canada.

Cheers,
Robin

Nice car, but nobody uses those bras anymore... get a 3M clear bra if you feel the need but those old clip-on vinyl ones need to die...

Also, I always thought the Volvo V70 AWD Wagons looked great, but don't know anything about them. My sister got in a bad accident in one and came away ok, so added safety is a plus. Subies have been doing well with safety ratings too.

drphoto · « **Reply #33 on:** 23 Feb 2010, 04:18 am »

I have to say, I love Bill (Niteshade) suggestion! It's so friggin ugly it's almost cool. Slap on a set of Cragar SS wheels it would be style city!!

satfrat · « **Reply #34 on:** 23 Feb 2010, 04:19 am »

Quote from: DaveC113 on 23 Feb 2010, 03:43 am

Nice car, but nobody uses those bras anymore... get a 3M clear bra if you feel the need but those old clip-on vinyl ones need to die...

Seeing how I have a spare new black Mopar Bra in the closet, must be I feel differently than you do. Who would have thunk it?

I also use a front spoiler that has marine leather wrapping with the stitched lettering MAGNUM glued onto the spoiler. It goes hand to hand with the black bra, carbon fiber hood, blackened out taillights and the overall black/white theme of the car.

But thanks for your opinion neverless.

Cheers,
Robin

drphoto · « **Reply #35 on:** 23 Feb 2010, 04:32 am »

Robin, not sure I need a hemi ( I'm sure it's fun though) but I'll add the 6 cylinder Mag Wag to my list. Hey, I like my T&C van, so I've got no prob. w/ a Dodge. They seem to cut a few corners and make some stuff really chintzy, but the van has been totally solid overall. Gotta say the factory sound system ain't audiophile, but it sure doesn't suck and can crank.

Lyndon · « **Reply #36 on:** 23 Feb 2010, 04:33 am »

drphoto said:

Quote

Slap on a set of Cragar SS wheels it would be style city!!

Thanks for a good laugh on that one. But ya gotta know that even a good set of Moon hubbies
is not going to upgrade that Rambler or my first car, a 1960 Plymouth Valiant.

srb · « **Reply #37 on:** 23 Feb 2010, 04:41 am »

Quote from: Lyndon on 23 Feb 2010, 04:33 am

But ya gotta know that even a good set of Moon hubbies
is not going to upgrade that Rambler or my first car, a 1960 Plymouth Valiant.

Depends on the paint job.

jackman · « **Reply #38 on:** 23 Feb 2010, 04:44 am »

Robin, I think your car looks cool with the bra! The overall black and white look really works for that Magnum.

Macro, good suggestion on the Vibe or Matrix. I forgot about those. Also, Joe could get a deal on a Pontiac since they are no longer in bidness and Toyota should be able to service the car and sell parts.

I'd avoid a used German car, Saab or Volvo unless you really look it over completely. Have a mechanic look at it top to bottom and do your homework online to check for any major issues. I love my 325i but the horror stories scare me. I also hate spending $90 for an oil change at the dealer.

Carl, those bushings wouldn't happen to be control arm bushings would they? Very common problem with BMW's. Mine were replaced at 55K and the car feels like brand new. The original ones were made of soft (ish) rubber that cracked and deteriorated over time. The replacements are made of poly and last longer but they ride a lot harder. I opted for original because I like the way it rides. Ever check out E46fanatics.com? Good site to learn maintainence tips and to diagnose common problems with 3 series B'mers.

Cheers,

J

DaveC113 · « **Reply #39 on:** 23 Feb 2010, 04:47 am »

OK, Robin... if you're over 60 I guess the bra should stay. It would go well with a cane and a hearing aid, too.